Relentless Pursuit of an Architecture: MKPL Architects

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

A presentation of MKPL's most important work throughout Asia.

The complexities of working in a densely urbanised, highly-regulated environment with an extreme tropical climate are not always immediately apparent in the clearly articulated forms created by MKPL Architects. This Singapore-based studio, founded in 1995 by Siew Man Kok and Cheng Pai Ling, approaches its master planning, architecture, landscape, and interior work with agility of thought and conviction of purpose. What emerges is a distillation of the complex into the simple. Encapsulated in MKPL's work are comfortable spaces that influence the way people live, and forms that inspire a new perception and appreciation of the physical environment made with the relentless pursuit of an architecture that reverberates the local light and atmosphere 'Relentless Pursuit of an Architecture' captures the design conscience of the MKPL studio through the writings of its founding directors. It is as much a meditation on 'the practice of practice' as a presentation of MKPL's most important work. It is also a window on the unique urban, regulatory, commercial, and landscape context of Singapore.

The book unfolds as manifestations of MKPL's inventive spirit via projects in Singapore and elsewhere in Asia, presenting an in-depth reflection on project particularities and processes, as well as outcomes. A foreword by Dr. Erwin Viray precedes the features on commercial, institutional, private, and governmental projects of a variety of scales, which are illustrated by full-colour photographs and drawings.

Author Bio

Siew Man Kok and Cheng Pai Ling co-founded MKPL Architects Pte Ltd in 1995 after meeting while obtaining their bachelors of architecture degrees from the National University of Singapore (NUS). John A. McLaughlin joined the firm in 2001 and was made a Director seven years later. Starting with small dwellings, innovative designs enabled MKPL's body of works to grow to include projects ranging in scale and type from high-rise residential towers, university buildings, a conservation shop house, and now several master plans. Mr. Siew taught at NUS from 1994 to 2010 and has contributed his time as a member of Singapore's HDB Architectural Design Panel, URA's Design Advisory Committee, and also sits on the Preservation of Monuments Board.